Every 365 days (or in the case of 2016, 366 days), your slate is wiped clean like an etch a sketch. All negatives achieved during the prior year are happily abandoned as of January 1st. And, while the concept of "new beginnings" isn't exactly a valid truism, the idea is comforting and ofttimes encouraging, thus it has become a tradition associated with the New Year. This illusion of "starting over" is echoed throughout the world by way of the universal mantra: the "New Year's Resolution." Even though you can't actually start over, the inspiration that is paired with this mantra makes it a little less ridiculous. Because any motivation to better yourself, should be seen in a positive light.
For college students, the idea of a new start is slightly more appropriate being that the new year brings the start of a new semester. As for me, there are many things that I would like to improve upon during the upcoming semester and I believe that the inspiration I have to make these changes came with the start of the new year. As a second semester sophomore, I am expected to increase my responsibilities and begin seriously thinking about my future. At my college, all students must have a declared major by the second semester of sophomore year. This decision is something that will (most likely) determine the rest of my life. Having to seriously think about my future has led to me create a list of new semester resolutions, based upon what I have learned from past experiences.
Here are 10 semester resolutions that will hopefully help you get through the next year.
Cheers to a "new beginning," the 2016 edition!
1. Go for it!
Sometimes the work can wait. If you often find yourself regretting missing out on creating memories, it's probably worthwhile to postpone the work for later. It might actually be worth the sleep deprivation to stay up a little later than usual in order to complete assignments. Memories last a lifetime, and chances are you won't remember that math homework by next month.
2. Go on lots of coffee dates!
As a coffee addict, I find it extremely relaxing and enjoyable to go on multiple coffee dates with both old and new friends as often as possible!
3. Sleep more!
This is definitely something I could've used more of last semester. During finals week, my sleep totaled 12 hours. Although this may be hard to achieve, the benefits are great. Getting the appropriate amount of sleep each night is imperative to facilitating performance in class, as well as other extra curricular activities. And, if you're anything like me, it'll also improve your mood.
4. Establish relationships with your professors and TA's.
This past semester I started attending office hours, actively participating in class and keeping in contact with my professors and TA's through e-mail. I can confidently state that it had a huge impact on my semester. Not only did it force me to stay on top of my work and let the instructors (who determine final grades) know that I cared, but it also gave me a little leeway when I needed it. One of my TA's even allowed me a two-day extension on my final paper!
5. Organize yourself.
Life is based upon setting and achieving goals, and I find the best way to reach these goals is to organize my life. And, from much experience, I have found that the best way to achieve organization is through long lists!
Bonus: Lists also serve as a great motivator and time management system.
6. Stay on top of your work.
We're all guilty of waiting until the last minute or, occasionally, past the due date to complete work. Falling behind in a class is one of the most detrimental behaviors one can do in college, by far. It's a lot easier to do a semester's worth of work spread out over a few months than to do it all in the last few days leading up to the end of a semester. And, in many cases, this will also improve your grades!
7. Don't skip class.
It's far too easy to wake up one morning and decide that you don't feel like going to class. Go. It's not worth missing the work and having to make it up later.
8. Leave your unhealthy relationships in 2015!
Whether it was a toxic friendship or a rough romantic relationship, you need to say goodbye and focus on yourself. This is especially important for college students because college is a time to find yourself and grow as a person. If a bad relationship is holding you back, it's time to let go!
9. Surround yourself with positivity.
Now's the time to shut out all those negative people in your life. You don't need them, believe me. The truth is, you won't end up missing them at all. It is important to surround yourself with people who are reliable and will always have your back.
10. Find a balance between partying and studying.
I'll admit I might've spent a little too much time doing the former than I should have. I mean, you have to cut me some slack, that's what college is all about, right? Unfortunately, that's not exactly true. This semester I plan to focus more on my work but also find time to bond with my friends!
Whether its improving your GPA, your relationships or yourself, a great way to do this is by creating a list of reasonable goals.
